Cigar-wrapper cutter.



Patented Mme I8, 190i.

A. DU BBUL. 'GIGAR WRAPPER CUTTER.

'Il Flam Nm 676,8l3.

(No Model.) j

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w ;ljllllllllllln 6 ,4f/M QQ/5M No. 676-,8l3. Patented lune I8, |90l.

A. DU BRUL.

CIGAR WBAPPEB CUTTER.

(Application led Feb. 2, 1901.) (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Zing@- ya qyv? lwenlfoz No. 676,8. Patented June la, 190|.

A. nu nul..

CIGAB WRAPPER CUTTER.

(Application led Feb. 2, 1901.)

(nu Modal.) a sheets-sheet 3.

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UNITED STATES PATENT Trice.

ALBERT DU BRUL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO THE MILLER, DU BRUL ANDPETERS MANUFACTURING CO., OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

ClGAR-WRAPPER CUTTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 676,813, dated J' une18, 1901. Application tiled February 2,1901. Serial No. 45,739. (Nomodel.)

.T all whom it may concern.-

Be it `known that I, ALBERT DU BRUL, a citizen of the United States, anda resident of the borough of Queens, in the city and State of New York,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Cigar-WrapperCutters, of which the followingis a specification.

My present invention relates to a machine that may be manipulated forcutting from ro leaf tobacco blanks of suitable shape to be used ascigar-wrappers; and my invention consists in certain novel features ofconstruction whereby the shaping of the wrapper is facilitated and thecutting accomplished in a better manner. l

In carrying ont my invention I employ a suitable table, upon which theleaf is laid and upon which it is held by air-suction in a wellknownmanner, and a tool moving over said zo table in performing the cuttingoperation, which tool works in a suitable guide, which causes it totraverse a path corresponding to the outline to be given to the wrapper,the perforations being so grouped as to form a continuous unbroken pathfor the tool, and means being provided in the structure to keep the toolnormal to its path of travel. Preferably the table serves as a platenupon which to out the wrapper, and the tool comprises a 3osuitably-suppoited grip or handle carrying a cutting disk, blade, orwheel, While the guide comprises a plate in which the tool travels. Thetool is suitably supported either by independent means or by theguide-plate and is automatically raised with the guide-plate from thetable when not in use topermit spreading the leaf and leave the tableunobstructed in rolling the wrapper on the cigar.

My invention will be fully understood upon reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in Which- Figure l is a side elevation of one embodiment ofmyinvention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is a verticalsection on the line 3 3, Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view ofthe tool that is manipulated over the table to cut the wrapper. Fig. 5is an elevation of said tool viewed in adire@- tion at right angles toFig. 4. Fig. 6 is a sec- 59 tional elevation of another embodiment of myinvention. Figs. 7 and S are respectively a sectional elevation and adetail perspective illustrating still another embodiment of theprinciples of my invention.

1 represents the Wrapper-cutter table, 2 55 the tool which is made totraverse the table in cutting the wrapper, and 3 the guide which causesthe tool to travel in a path conforming to the outline of the wrapper tobe cut.

The table l preferably comprises a platen 6o 4, having perforations 5,through which to create suction beneath the wrapper for holding it, and`an air-chamber 6, in which the vacuum producing said suction isdeveloped through exhaust-pipe '7, controlled by a valve 65 8, operatedthrough connection 9.

The tool 2 comprises a cutter l0, in the form of a disk or Wheel,secured bya caster-mounting ll to the handle l2. The caster-mounting llperforms the important function of 7o causing the cutter to trail afterthe tool, and as it is free to rotate upon its spindle it is enabled tokeep its cutting edge at all times in the line of travel notwithstandingthe constant change in the 'direction of the outline 75 of the wrapper.Such caster-mounting thus provides means for keeping the operating endof the tool at all times normal to its path of travel. Handle l2 issupported in a socket 13, containing a spring 14, that surrounds 8o thespindle 15 or'. the caster-mounting and holds the cutter 10 normallyabove the table. -The spring 14 is overcome by the weight of the hand ofthe operator in manipulating the tool, and cutting pressure is thusbrought to bear upon the leaf. The tool is suitably supported invertical position, but is free to move horizontally.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. l, 2, and 3 the support fortool 2 com- 9o prises the jointed bracket 16, swinging in a horizontalplane from a pivot 17. The guide 3 comprises a plate 18, supported abovethe table by arms 19 and having an aperture 20, through which the shankof the tool projects and against the edge of which said shank bearsthrough the medium of a friction-roller 21. Since the aperture conformsin outline to the cigar-wrapper to be cut, the cutter is made totraverse the proper path by simply roo holding the shank outwardlyagainst guide-plateas the tool is moved.

In order to withdraw the guide-plate and toolA from above the tablewhile the latter is being used in rolling the Wrapper about the cigar,the cutter-bracket, pivot 17, and the supporting-arms 19 are clamped toa shaft 22, turning in bearings 23 on the frame of the machine andhaving a counterbalancelever 24, with connterbalance-weight 25projecting rearwardly therefrom, which by its gravitation raises thegage-plate and tool from the table when the tool is released.

According to Fig. 6 the guide comprises an elevated guide-plate 18,supported on arms 19a, which are mounted on the turning shaft 22, saidgage-plate having a guiding-groove on its under face which lreceives thevantifriction-roller 2l at the upper end of the tool 2, while said toolis supported at said upper end by the jointed bracket 16, swiveled on atall pivot 17a, and carries an intermediate grip 12a, by which it ismanipulated.

Figs. 7 and 8 show an embodiment wherein a guide-plate 18h, mounted inall respects like that shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, is constructed ofdouble thickness, with a space 26 between, in which a supporting-disk 27fits in a vertical'direction, but enjoys' freedom of horizontalmovement, whereby it may be manipulated in the manner hereinbeforedescribed, and embodies the principle of my invention in the employmentof the suction-table, the tool, and the guide-plate.

Perforated pneumatic suction-tables for holding a tobacco-leaf whilecutting a cigarwrapper therefrom are Well known and in common use andare disclosed in patents now expired. Hence novelty is not claimed,broadly,in a suction-table for holding the leaf. lt has been proposed to'use such suction-tables in cutting wrappers by hand preparatory toapplying each to the cigar-bunch; but they the have generally been usedin conjunction withV cutting-dies' corresponding in form to the contourof the wrapper and on which the wrapper is cut by means of rollerspassed horizontally over the edge of the die from end to end. Both theseplans of operation are de-l fective and objectionable. The planemploying the use of the die is objectionable, for the reason that theimpact of the rollers at the ends of the die and laterally to the edgethereof bruises the leaf, resulting in discoloration in places at theedges of the wrapper, and for the further reason that the lateral impactof the roller at the ends of the die results in bruising and marring theedge of the die itself, so that its cutting capacity at the ends isquickly impaired, resulting in imperfect cutting and consequent tearingof the wrapper. Furthermore, the use of wrapper-cutting machinesemploying cutting-dies has always been objectionable for the highestclass of Work employing dark gummy tobacco-leaf,for the reason thatconstant passing of the pressure-rollers over the edge of the die dullsthe latter after a comparatively short; period of use, after whichinstead of making a clean ysharp cut the die bruises the edge of theWrapper to such an extent as to drive away the gum from the edge, oftenchanging the color, leaving it lighter, so that in the finished cigarthere would be a distinct spiral line or mark noticeable. For thisreason wrapperc'utting machines have not generally been used in thehigher classes of work.

The plan of employing a cutting-platen perforated throughout its surfaceand provided with air-suction means for holding a leaf thereon while thewrapper is cut out byhand with the use of an ordinary wrapper-cuttingknife is impracticable, owing to the fact that the leaf obscures all theperforations, and the knife cannot be made to follow an uninterruptedsolid path among the perforations, and therefore the edge of the wrapperwill not be neatly cut, but will remain attached to the leaf where theknife passes over the perforations. It has also been proposed to trimshoe-soles and hat-rims by cutters rotating about an axis and havingmeans for varying their distance from the axis; but these are not theequivalent of my invention. It has never been proposed to utilize aperforated cutting -platen with air-suction means for holding thetobacco-leaf thereon, a tool having freedom of horizontal motion, and aguide which directs the tool in a path which avoids the perforations andcauses the cutting-blade to travel upon a continuous solidcuttingsurface. Moreover, in my invention the cutting-tool is providedwith means for keeping it normal to its path of travel, whereby it isbetter adapted to traverse narrow paths Without swerving or causing theleaf to tear, and the air-suction perforations are grouped to IOO leavea Well-defined uninterrupted solid cutl the knife on the perforatedplaten, that has heretofore been unattained, and still retain all theadvantages of increased capacity and accuracy of work obtainable from amachine.

. Moreover, all the ob j ections to a wrapper-cutting machine for thehighest class of work are removed, and a number of advantages for allfrom projections or unevennesses and movable or depressible parts whichhinder not only the learning but the accomplished operator and greatlyreduce the amount of work IIO . classes of work are secured, principalamong which are the entire avoidance of all complication, obstruction,and hindrances resulting the operator may accomplish; also, the absenceof the die or other cutting edges in the table which have heretoforeretarded the operator b v fear off injury to the ngers, so that by myimproved machine there is great freedom for the operator in doing theWork, which results in the production of a much larger output in a giventime.

I claim as my inventionl. In a wrapper-cutting machine, the combinationof a perforated cutting-platen, having its perforations grouped so as toleave an uninterrupted cutting-path conforming to the outline of theWrapper to be cut, means for holding a leaf on said platen by suction, acutting-tool, means for vertically supporting said tool above the tablewith freedom of horizontal movement, and a guide directing the path ofsaid tool, having a directing edge conforming to the wrapper to beformed.

2. .In a cigar-wrapper cutter, the combination of a table, means forholding a leaf thereon by suction, a cutting-tool coperatin g with saidtable t-o .cut the wrapper, means for vertically supporting said toolwhile permitting it to freely move horizontally, and a guideplatedirecting the course of said tool as it traverses the table.

3. In a cigar-Wrapper cutter, the combination of a table, means forholding a leaf thereon by suction, a cutting-tool manipulated upon saidtable to cut out a wrapper, a jointed bracket affording vertical supportbut having freedom of horizontal movement on said tool, and aguide-plate controlling the horizontal movements of the tool and causingit to traverse the outline of the wrapper.

4. In a wrapper-cutter the combination of the table, means for holding aleaf thereto by suction, a cutter adapted to be manipulated over thetable to cut out a wrapper, a guide-plate having an aperture throughwhich the cutter works conforming to the wrapper to be cut, and meansaffording vertical support, but freedom of horizontal movement to saidcutter.

5. In a wrapper-cutter, the combination with the table, of the tool andguide-plate and a shaft from which said guide is supported over saidtable and adapted to swing upward from over the table.

(i. In combination with the table; of the cutter supported by a jointedbracket above said table, the guide-plate-supporting arms by which saidguide-plate is mounted above the table, and a counterbalanced shaft uponwhich said bracket and arms are mounted.

7. In a cigar-wrapper-cutting machine the combination of acutting-platen having airsuction perforations grouped to leave anuninterrupted cutting-path conforming to the tool of the wrapper to becut out, a cuttingtool manipulated over said platen to cut out thewrapper, means for affording vertical support for permitting freedom ofhorizontal movement to said cutting-tool, a guide having a directingedge conforming to the unin- `interposed between the terrupted path onthe cutting-platen, and means for holding the cutter in the cuttingtoolnormal to the path in which it travels.

8. In a cigar-wrapper-cutting machine, the combination of acutting-platen having airsuction perforations therein grouped to leavean uninterrupted cutting-path conforming to the edge of the wrapper tobe cut out, a tool having a rotary cutting-disk secured in its lower endthrough the medium of a vertical spindle, a guide supported verticallyabove the cutting-platen and having a directing edge engaged by the tooland causing the cutter in the tool to traverse the uninterrupted path onthe cutting-platen, and means Whereby the cutting-disk is turned uponits vertical spindle as the cutter travels to hold the disk at all timesnormal to the path in which it travels.

9. In a cigar-wrapper cutter the combination of a table, a tool havingvertical support and lateral movement over said table and normally outof contact therewith and a spring tool and its support whereby the toolmay be depressed into contact with the table.

l0., In a cigar-wrapper-cutting machine,the combination of a table, acutting-tool manipulated over said table to cut out a wrapper from aleaf laid thereon, a guide supported vertically above the table andconstructed to engage the tool and direct its path in its manipulation,and means whereby said guide is swung into and out of operative positionabove the table, substantially as set forth.

ll. In combination with a cigar-Wrappercutting table having means forholding a leaf thereto by suction; a guide-plate and a counterbalancedshaft by which said guide-plate is mounted to swing into and out ofposition over the table for the purpose set forth.

12. In awrapper-cutting machine, the combination of a cutting-table, acutting-tool manipulated over said table to cutout a wrapper from a leaflaid thereon, means aordin g vertical support and freedom of horizontalmovement to said tool above the table, a guide constructed to engage thetool and direct its path in its manipulation over the table, andapivotal mounting for the guide and tool to permit them to swinginto andout of operative position above the table, substantially as herein setforth.

13. In a Wrapper-cutting machine, the combination ofa table, acutting-tool manipulated over the table to cut out the wrapper from aleaf laid thereon, a guide supported.vertically above the tableconstructed to engage the tool and direct its path in its manipulationover the table, and a supporting-bracket sustaining said tool verticallybut pivoted so as to swing laterally from a point outside of the area ofthe work being performed, and having an intermediate vertical pivotaljoint which aords movement to the tool in a direction transverse to theswinging movement.

14. In a wrapper-cuttin g machine, the comp IIO bination of a table, acutting-tool manipulated over the table to cnt ont the Wrapper from aleaf laid thereon, a guide supported .vertically above the tableconstructed to engage the tool and direct its path in its manipulationover the table, a rotary cutting-disk, a vertical spindle through themedium of which said cutting-disk is secured to said tool, and asupportingloracket sustaining said tool vertically Io but pivoted so asto swing laterally from a point outside of the area of the work beingperformed, and having an intermediate ver' tical pivotal joint whichaiords movement to the tool in a direction transverse to the swingingmovement.

ALBERT DU BRUL.

Witnesses:

KATHERINE E; MANNING, EDWIN S. CLARKsoN.

